Latest World News: ‘Modi and Xi reached consensus in Bali,’ says Chi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had reached an important consensus in Bali, Indonesia late last year on stabilizing Indo-China relations, Beijing has claimed eight months after the brief conversation between the two leaders was downplayed in New Delhi as an exchange of courtesies.
India’s national security adviser Ajit Doval met Wang Yi, director of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on the sidelines of a BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday. A press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi on Tuesday quoted Doval as telling Wang that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the Indo-China border since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis for the relationship.
Wang was also reappointed on Tuesday as China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, who succeeded him on Dec. 30 last year, having been removed from his post.
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Beijing has sought to downplay the continued military clash between the Indian army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in eastern Ladakh.
A press release issued by the Chinese government’s Foreign Ministry quoted Wang as telling Doval that China and India are two major forces in the process of creating a multipolar world order, and the two sides should follow the development trends of the times and correctly grasp the development direction of bilateral relations.
Late last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi reached an important consensus on stabilizing China-India relations in Bali, the press release issued in Beijing quoted Wang Doval as saying at the meeting in Johannesburg. Both sides must adhere to the strategic judgment of the leaders that the two nations do not pose a threat to each other and that they are development opportunities for each other.
Modi and Xi had attended the 17th G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia in November 2022, alongside leaders from 17 other nations and the European Union.
No formal bilateral meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the summit. But they shook hands and exchanged courtesies at the end of a welcome dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on November 15, the first time after aggressive Chinese PLA movements along the LAC and Indian army counter-deployment in April-May 2020 led to the stalemate in eastern Ladakh.
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Beijing’s claim that Xi and Modi had reached an important consensus in Bali is contrary to how the Nov. 15 meeting between the two leaders was portrayed in New Delhi. Sources had told reporters in New Delhi that the prime minister had just exchanged courtesies with the Chinese president.
Modi and Xi had met at a seaside resort in Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu in October 2019 for an informal summit following the first such engagement held in Wuhan, central China, in April 2018. They also held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brasilia in November 2019. The lash in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, had brought relations between the two nations to a new low. They had also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 15-16 last year. But neither did they hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the conclave, nor exchange pleasantries in the public domain unlike that on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali.
On July 14, Wang held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of an East Asia Summit conclave in Jakarta. The two sides followed up with the Wang-Doval meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday amid speculation over the possibility of a bilateral Modi-Xi meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, to be held in the South African city next month. Xi is also expected to travel to New Delhi for the G20 summit, which Modi will host on September 9-10.
Wang told Doval that India and China should focus on consensus and cooperation and quickly returning bilateral relations to the path of healthy and stable development.
Doval stressed the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation along the LAC and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas, in order to remove obstacles to the normalcy of bilateral relations, which was important not only for the two countries but also for the region and the world.
Although lengthy negotiations led to the mutual withdrawal of Indian Army and Chinese PLA troops from some of the confrontation points along the LAC, such as Galwan Valley, North and South Banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra Post and Hot Springs, the standoff has not been fully resolved so far.
PLA troops deployed in Depsang, well inside Indian territory along the LAC with China, continue to block the Indian Army’s access to patrol points 10, 11, 12, 12A and 13. A confrontation also continues in Demchok.
Beijing recently claimed that the mutual withdrawal of Chinese PLA and Indian Army troops from Patrol Point 15 (Gogra-Hotsprings area) in September 2022 marked the restoration of normalcy along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
China’s assertion appears to be an attempt to subtly increase pressure on India to accept the new normal in Depsang and Demchok regions.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.